November 15th is I Love to Write Day

Writing is not just for acclaimed authors. After all, they had to start somewhere too, and even though it may seem hard to believe, every famous writer started the first chapter of their first book with just one word. I Love to Write day was founded by author John Riddle, a non-fiction and self-help writer, to get kids writing in schools and encourage adults to rekindle an old dream. This special day is celebrated by many different organisations – schools, community halls, churches, and even shopping centers. It covers all genres, from novels to poetry to writing in to your local newspaper with a point you’ve always wanted to make but never found time for before. The aim is to get people to sit down and put something on paper or on a computer, however short and in whatever style, kick-starting their writing and giving them confidence through being part of a global movement.

The History of I Love to Write Day

I Love to Write Day was created in 2002 by Delaware-based author John Riddle. Riddle has been writing for the past thirty years and has written a total of 34 books so far. When asked why he decided to create a day dedicated to the love he and many other people have for writing, he said, “My goal for I Love To Write Day is to have people of all ages spend time writing. They can write a poem, a love letter, a greeting card, an essay, a short story, start a novel, finish a novel…the possibilities are endless. (…) People need to be challenged, and writing is but one of many creative ways to express yourself. (…) For many people, that (I Love to Write Day) will be the beginning of their writing career. I Love To Write Day has the potential to launch the career of the next John Grisham, Mary Higgins Clark, Stephen King or Toni Morrison.” An honorable goal, indeed!

How to Celebrate I Love to Write Day

The best way to celebrate this special day is to do as John Riddle has always intended for people to do on this day—write something. It doesn’t have to be anything specific, and it doesn’t have to be long. Many people believe that in order to start writing at all you absolutely need to have the entire plan for your book formed in your mind, and that when you start the writing process, the story should just spill right onto your paper and go on to become an instant New York Times bestseller. This, however, is a misconception. “The Bluest Eye” took Toni Morrison 5 years to complete, and was based on a children’s story she had heard in elementary school. Joan Didion was inspired to write “Run, River” after catching a glimpse of a newspaper blurb about a murder. And Stephen King’s esteemed horror classic “Carrie” was rejected 30 (!) times before someone agreed to publish it. As you can surely see by now, even the best-known writers have had their difficulties, so you should never become discouraged, and just continue to write and expand on your idea until you’ve achieved your goals. To make things particularly interesting on I Love to Write Day, you could also consider holding a writing and reading party with your friends. Whatever you do, take advantage of this day to make sure your potential does not go to waste!